Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Homemade Cunetto’s Garlic Cheese Bread, a delightful and crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds! This garlic cheese bread recipe elevates the classic with a flavor boost inspired by the renowned Cunetto’s version. We’re talking about an explosion of savory goodness in every single bite. Whether you’re searching for an easy garlic cheese bread recipe for a quick snack, to elevate a simple weeknight dinner, or even planning a fancy dinner party, this homemade garlic bread is guaranteed to impress your guests – and yourself!
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps that anyone can follow, you’ll be amazed at the rich, buttery, and supremely cheesy flavors you can easily create right in your own home. Forget take-out! This Cunetto’s garlic bread-inspired recipe is absolutely perfect for pairing with pasta dishes, warming soups on a chilly evening, or simply enjoying all on its own as the star of the show. Get ready to experience garlic bread like never before. Looking for more delicious recipes? Check out our selection of dinner recipes!
2. What is Cunetto’s Garlic Cheese Bread?
Cunetto’s House of Pasta, a St. Louis institution, is justly famous for its exceptional Italian cuisine, and their garlic cheese bread is a standout favorite that keeps patrons coming back for more. Known far and wide for its incredibly rich garlic flavor, perfectly buttery texture, and that wonderfully generous layer of gloriously melted cheese, Cunetto’s version has truly become a benchmark, the gold standard for garlic bread lovers everywhere. This homemade recipe is our loving attempt to recreate that iconic taste, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality garlic cheese bread recipe without even having to leave the comfort (and convenience!) of your own kitchen. You can find the original recipe here.
3. Why This Recipe Works
What makes this easy garlic cheese bread recipe really shine is that it focuses squarely on maximizing that incredible flavor, and all with minimal effort on your part. The winning combination of fresh garlic, carefully selected herbs, and high-quality cheese creates a true symphony of tastes that elevates simple bread into something truly extraordinary, a culinary experience. Even better, the recipe is designed to be completely foolproof, making it wonderfully accessible for both novice cooks just starting out and experienced chefs alike. And, of course, the use of readily available ingredients ensures that you can easily replicate the mouthwatering flavors of Cunetto’s garlic bread every single time you make it. If you enjoy baking bread, you might also like our recipe for Hot Cross Buns for Easter Dinner.
4. Ingredients for Homemade Garlic Cheese Bread
1 loaf of Italian bread, sliced lengthwise
1 cup unsalted butter, softened – the key to that perfect texture!
6 cloves garlic, minced – fresh is best for that unmistakable garlic punch
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped – adds a burst of freshness and color
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – for that salty, nutty flavor that enhances everything
1 teaspoon dried oregano – a classic Italian herb that adds depth
1/2 teaspoon salt – to bring out all the delicious flavors
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – a little kick to balance the richness
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – the star of the show!
5. Equipment Needed
Baking sheet – for even baking
Parchment paper or aluminum foil – prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze
Small bowl – for mixing the garlic butter
Whisk or fork – to combine the garlic butter ingredients
Knife – for slicing the bread
Cutting board – to protect your countertops
6. Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Go ahead and preheat your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). Now, carefully slice that loaf of Italian bread lengthwise to create two lovely long halves. Place the bread halves on a baking sheet that you’ve thoughtfully lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter (make sure it’s nice and soft!), minced garlic, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix it all together really well until all of those wonderful ingredients are thoroughly combined, creating a smooth and fragrant garlic butter that you’ll want to slather on everything!
Step 3: Spread the Garlic Butter
Now comes the fun part! Evenly spread that gorgeous garlic butter mixture all over the cut sides of the Italian bread halves. Be generous! You want to make absolutely certain that every single part is covered for maximum flavor in every single bite.
Step 4: Add the Cheese and Bake
It’s cheese time! Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the garlic buttered bread. Don’t be shy! Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for a sweet spot of 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be melted and bubbly, and the bread to be beautifully golden brown. Keep a close eye on it!
7. Tips for the Perfect Garlic Cheese Bread
Always use fresh garlic for the most wonderfully intense flavor. Trust us, it makes a huge difference!
Make sure that the butter is properly softened. This makes it so much easier to mix evenly with the other ingredients.
Don’t even think about skimping on the cheese! A generous layer is absolutely key to achieving that perfect, irresistible cheesy pull.
Keep a close eye on the bread while it’s baking to prevent any burning incidents, especially if your oven tends to run a little hot.
For an extra special touch, try broiling the bread for the last minute or so to get the cheese extra bubbly and beautifully golden.
8. Serving Suggestions
Serve your Homemade Garlic Cheese Bread while it’s still hot and fresh for the best possible experience. It’s a truly perfect accompaniment to classic Italian dishes like comforting spaghetti, rich lasagna, or creamy fettuccine Alfredo. It also pairs incredibly well with hearty soups, crisp salads, or you can simply serve it as a standalone appetizer for any gatherings and parties you might be hosting. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with a sprinkle of extra parsley for a bright pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. Your family and guests are absolutely guaranteed to rave about this delicious twist on easy garlic cheese bread! If you like this recipe, you might also enjoy our beef recipes.
9. Conclusion
Creating homemade garlic cheese bread inspired by the famous Cunetto’s is a remarkably simple yet deeply rewarding culinary experience. With just a few straightforward steps, you can effortlessly create and then savor a flavorful, cheesy delight that will elevate any meal from ordinary to absolutely extraordinary. This versatile garlic cheese bread recipe is truly perfect for absolutely any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner on a cold night or a festive gathering with all your favorite people. So go ahead and enjoy the rich, aromatic flavors of this Cunetto’s garlic bread-inspired creation, and prepare to make it a beloved staple in your kitchen for many years to come. Don’t forget to contact us with your comments and feedback!
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Homemade Cunetto’s Garlic Cheese Bread, a delightful and crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish. This garlic cheese bread recipe elevates the classic with a flavor boost inspired by the renowned Cunetto’s version, ensuring every bite is packed with savory goodness. This Cunetto’s garlic bread-inspired recipe is perfect for pairing with pasta dishes, soups, or enjoying on its own.
Ingredients
Scale
1 loaf of Italian bread, sliced lengthwise
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the loaf of Italian bread lengthwise to create two long halves. Place the bread halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined into a smooth garlic butter.
Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the Italian bread halves, ensuring every part is covered for maximum flavor.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the garlic buttered bread. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is golden brown.
Notes
Use fresh garlic for the most intense flavor.
Ensure the butter is softened to easily mix with the other ingredients.
Don’t skimp on the cheese; a generous layer is key to the perfect cheesy pull.
Monitor the bread while baking to prevent burning, especially if your oven runs hot.
For an extra touch, broil for the last minute to get the cheese extra bubbly and golden.